The Abia State Government has approved the establishment of an SME Village and Innovation Hub in Aba, a move aimed at strengthening Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises as a key driver of the State’s economic growth.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing Journalists on the outcome today’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said that the proposed SME Village, when completed will accommodate computer dealers, mobile phone sellers and repair technicians.
According to him, the proposed SME Village and Innovation Hub will also help to decongest parts of Aba currently plagued by unregulated commercial activities.
The Commissioner revealed that a one-stop Export Growth Lab and trade support facility, located within the premises of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, is nearing completion and is expected to be opened before the end of February.
He noted that the initiative is designed to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks faced by small businesses, manufacturers and exporters, thereby positioning Aba as a more competitive commercial hub.
“The establishment of a one-stop shop and other Export Growth Lab located within the premises of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, is nearing completion and may be opened by the end of February.
“These facilities aim at facilitating the ease of doing business among SMEs in Aba and environs. When fully operational, the Export Growth Lab will assist in activities like business registration and NAFDAC approval, among others”, the Commissioner explained.
He described the projects as part of the present administration’s deliberate policy thrust to create an enabling environment for enterprise growth, job creation and industrial expansion across the State.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof Enoch Uche, SA to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr Ferdinard Ekeoma and the SA to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwogbo were present during the briefing.
